Americans’ Offense Explodes in Run-Rule Win

NEWARK, N.Y. – The Niagara Falls Americans dominated their way to a 13-3 victory over the Newark Pilots Friday night at Colburn Park. Dominick Zangardi’s single to right-center opened the scoring in a first inning where the Americans plated three runs. In the third, Zangardi added another RBI, driving in David Harris with a hard-hit single to the right side. Zangardi finished 3-for-4 with a walk, two RBIs, and three runs scored. The Pilots answered in the bottom of the inning, scoring their first run of the game on a Connor Wright sacrifice fly. In the next inning, Christopher Snusz notched his first hit as an American with an RBI single that brought home Evan Shank. Snusz went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Justin Gladfelter then delivered an RBI single, and an error by Pilots right fielder Angel Gomez allowed the Americans to stretch their lead to six. The Pilots tacked on two in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run single, but the Americans responded with power. Derek Gesmondi launched a two-run homer in the fifth—marking his first of the season—restoring a five-run cushion. Gesmondi finished 2-for-3 with a walk. After a leadoff groundout in the sixth, the next three Americans reached base safely. Cooper Rowell then tattooed a bases-clearing double to left-center, making it a 12-3 game. He finished with four RBIs and two walks. Adam Weiss followed Rowell’s double with a single, but was thrown out at second attempting to advance on the relay throw to the plate. Angel Nova Lopez started for the Americans and went 4.1 innings, giving up three earned runs on three hits with six walks and two strikeouts. Mitchell Canuell came out of the bullpen and earned the win, firing 2.2 scoreless innings. Seven different Americans recorded a hit, including four with multi-hit performances in the 13-3 seven-inning win. This marks the first time this season the Americans have claimed consecutive victories.   Links PGCBL Box Score Game Livestream The Americans will travel to Olean, N.Y., Saturday evening to battle the Olean Oilers, who joined the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL) this summer. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. On Sunday at 4:05 p.m., the Americans will return home to Niagara Falls to take on the Buffalo Diesel. It’s Guaranteed Win Night at Sal Maglie Stadium. For single-game or season tickets, call (716) 215-6161 or visit www.niagarafallsamericans.com. Season tickets start as low as $99. For sponsorship opportunities or to organize a group outing, contact General Manager Marc Witt at mwitt.canusa@gmail.com.